SAY NO TO WILDLIFE PRODUCTS

“We in the so-called modern world must set the examples. This current example we've set - that eating, killing and wearing wildlife products is legal and 'sustainable' is obviously the greatest disaster for today's wildlife. If we don't eliminate ‘Sustainable Use’ now it will be too late.” Steve Irwin.

Australia Zoo proudly fights against wildlife consumption and trade, and urges everyone to refuse to purchase or eat any wildlife products, including crocodile, kangaroo and emu.

Australia Zoo has numerous signs located around our zoo promoting the non-consumptive use of native Australian wildlife.We actively educate our domestic and international visitors that by purchasing wildlife products they are indirectly supporting the illegal trade in wildlife, which is the major cause of animals being classified endangered or critically endangered.

Viewing and interacting with kangaroos and associated wildlife is a world-class tourism experience, which greatly enhances the outback tourism adventure for overseas visitors.Australia Zoo praises businesses and organisations that join the fight against the consumption and purchase of wildlife and wildlife products.

Australia Zoo representatives do not attend or support functions when we are aware that wildlife will be served for consumption. At Australia Zoo over 600 staff dedicate their working days to educating our domestic and international visitors that by purchasing wildlife products they are supporting the illegal trade in wildlife which is the major cause of animals being classified endangered or critically endangered.

Many countries find it incredibly disrespectful and offensive that businesses serve up Australia’s Coat of Arms for consumption. These animals are uniquely Australian and represent our most obvious and well known form of wildlife. Kangaroo is bush meat and as such, is about as appealing as eating Giraffe in Africa. Crocodiles are farmed under horrific, inhumane conditions and serving up farmed wildlife only enables the illegal trade in wildlife to continue.

Studies have shown that viewing and interacting with kangaroos and associated wildlife is a world-class tourism experience, greatly enhancing the outback tourism adventure for overseas visitors. It is important to discourage the consumption of native wildlife. To do nothing is as good as support, and support will only lead to increased demand. Demand which wildlife populations have not been proven to be able to support.

The public should be encouraged to admire, appreciate and respect our unique wildlife. The consumption of native wildlife is a very slippery slope. It does not encourage attitudes in the consumer that motivate conservation action. And it is the shared attitudes of the public that that will shape our planet’s future.

Wildlife Propaganda: The "Sustainable Use" Lie

By Steve Irwin

"Sustainable Use" of native wildlife in so-called modern nations like Australia and the U.S.A. has inadvertently created a multi-million dollar 'bushmeat' industry, where local people kill native wildlife for meat, skins and products. Please don't blame the local people; it's not their fault! They're simply hunting for much needed money. The greatest wildlife perpetrators of today's world are those behind the driving force of "Sustainable Use."

How are the Tiger Farms in Taiwan and China helping to save Tigers in India, SE Asia or Siberia? They are perpetuating the market in Tiger products, which is the single greatest reason for the endangerment of Tigers.

How are the Bear Bile farms helping Bears in Asia? Endangered. How did Mink farms help Mink in Europe? Endangered. How do Tuna farms help Blue-fin Tuna? Critically Endangered.

Since when has killing any animal saved it? If wildlife and conservation organisations continue to support "Sustainable Use," then "BUSHMEAT" industries and global endangerment's will continue until all the animals have gone.

We in the so-called modern world must set the examples. This current example we've set - that eating, killing and wearing wildlife products is legal and 'sustainable' is obviously the greatest disaster for today's wildlife. If we don't eliminate "Sustainable Use" now it will be too late.

If we can destroy the market, we'll destroy the industry. Historically the only reason spotted cats, like Leopards and Cheetahs are still found in the wild, is because of peer pressure. It became 'uncool' and controversial to wear spotted cat fur coats, so the market was destroyed and the industry suffered. Slowly, less and less Leopards and Cheetahs were being shot for their skins, and just as well or they would've been extinct 20 years ago.

If we can all refuse to buy, eat or purchase native wildlife products and express our disgust in the industry, then every single person can help slow down this incredibly disastrous wildlife atrocity.

Never purchase native wildlife products!

Conscious Consumerism

When it comes to habitat conservation and wildlife protection, one of the most important elements – perhaps the most important element – is conscious consumerism. This means that conservation is not just about what we actively DO; it is also what we choose NOT to do or buy that makes a difference.